At The Beach . . .

What’s your idea of a perfect day at the beach? Working on your tan? Building a sandcastle? Hunting for seashells? Getting in on a game of volleyball? Surf-fishing? Bicycle riding? Taking a romantic barefoot stroll up and down the shoreline? You can experience all of this and more when you spend the day along the Cocoa Beach shoreline. Open 24/7 year round with warm Southern waters and an average daytime temperature of 73° F, our beaches have something to offer everyone!

If catching some great waves is your main reason for coming to the Cocoa Beach area, you’ll be stoked to learn that the Space Coast is home to over 100 of the best surfing spots on the East Coast. (Did you know that 11-time ASP World Champion surfer Kelly Slater hails from Cocoa Beach, Florida? Right here is where he started…How awesome is THAT!!) So, whether you’re a pro or a grommet, we’re sure you’ll be able to find a killer spot to hang ten!

In addition to our oceanfront parks, the City of Cocoa Beach provides “stub-end” streets for access to the Atlantic Ocean. Each street has a dune to cross-over, parking spaces (several metered), and a litter barrel. You are invited to use any of these streets to enjoy a day on our fine, sandy beach, however please do not bring bottles or pets on the beach, and remember to use litter barrels when you leave. In addition, before coming to Cocoa Beach for a fun day in the sun, please make sure you review our city’s beach rules and etiquette in the tab below.

Lifeguard Season

Beach Rules & Etiquette

Swim Safely!

Lifeguard Season:

Full-time lifeguards are on duty at the following locations every weekend beginning on Easter weekend until Labor Day weekend:

Cocoa Beach Pier

Alan Shepard Park

Lori Wilson Park

Minutemen Cswy.

Jetty Park (Cape Canaveral)

Seasonal Lifeguards also maintain weekday duty at these locations beginning the day after Memorial Day weekend through the first week in August (when the school year begins).

Cocoa Beach Pier

Sheppard Park (2 towers)

Fischer Park

Lori Wilson Park (2 towers)

Minuteman Cswy

16th Street/Murkshe Park

There are NO LIFEGUARDS at any other location, however, the ocean can still be enjoyed while remembering the following cautions:

NEVER SWIM ALONE! Always swim where other people are.

If you are not a strong swimmer, do not swim when the waves are large or the conditions appear rough.

Be aware of ocean currents and rip tides – if you are caught in a rip tide, swim parallel to the beach (go with the current) – do not try to swim against the current! The current generally flows parallel with the beach.

If you need help, face the shore and wave your arms – usually someone is nearby with a surfboard.

Having survived literally thousands of years of onslaught from the ravages of the ocean, one would think that the beach is indeed a hardy mass. Quite the opposite is true – the beach is a fragile and ever-changing ecological wonder. In order to protect it, we ask that you enjoy the beach for what it is and leave only your footprints behind. And if you find that previous visitors have not been as courteous, your assistance in picking up the beach would be very much appreciated. It’s an activity that most local beachgoers practice – you will then be mistaken for a local and that’s a badge of honor! Here are other restrictions necessary to maintain our beautiful beaches:

Stay Off the Dunes -The dunes, which are the mounds of sand on the landward side of the beach, are the barriers that protect properties from high tides and storm surges. Many of the dunes rely on vegetation to stay in place as both wind and sea work at relocating them. For this reason, it’s the law in Cocoa Beach and in every other beach along the Atlantic Coast to STAY OFF THE DUNES!

No Vehicles on the Beach – With the exception of emergency and public service vehicles, vehicles are not permitted on the beaches for any reason.

No Trash – Some people, unfortunately, think of the beach as the world’s largest ashtray – if you smoke, please do not leave cigarette butts behind.

No Glass on the Beach – Cocoa Beach is one of the few that allows alcohol on the beach, but glass bottles are against the law.

No Animals on the Beach – not even on a leash! The penalty is a fine.

No Fireworks on the Beach – Fireworks are an ecological nightmare, they endanger other people and they cause fires in the dune vegetation. This, too, is against the law!

No Fires on the Beach Without a Permit – fires are allowed in certain areas of the City during certain times of the year. Contact the Cocoa Beach Fire Department for more information.

Do Not Disturb Turtles, Turtle Nests or Turtle Hatchlings – Sea turtles are an endangered species, if you are lucky enough to see a turtle come ashore, give it very wide berth, do not shine a flashlight or use a flash camera.

Do Not Push Stranded Marine Mammals Back to Sea – From time-to-time, large sea mammals such as whales, manatees and dolphins may beach themselves. They do this because they are in distress for one reason or another. If you happen onto the scene of a beaching, here’s what to do: 1.) Call the Cocoa Beach Police Department (868-3251) and ask them to call Sea World; and 2.) Try to keep the mammal comfortable by pouring sea water over the exposed skin and keep it shielded from the suns rays by covering it with wet towels. Sea World will send a rescue team to remove it to the Sea World facility for medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Avoid Swimming Where People are Surfing – Surfers usually are found in areas where the waves peak. It is best to avoid swimming in areas where surfers are enjoying the waves.

Surfcasting – Fishing from the beach, known as surfcasting, is a popular sport in Cocoa Beach. Year round, many varieties of fish may be caught from the beach. Florida residents are not required to obtain a fishing license for surfcasting. Non-residents age or older can obtain a three-day ($6.50), seven-day ($16.50) or annual ($31.50) license for saltwater fishing. Do not fish where people are swimming. Local fish species are quite accommodating – if you move down the beach to get away from swimmers, the fish will move with you!

Learn to Swim Safely! The beach and the ocean can always be enjoyed provided proper respect is paid and a certain degree of care is maintained. When you consider that a two-foot ocean wave can knock a 200 pound adult off his feet, you begin to get an idea of the power of the ocean. Tragic water accidents happen quickly. The most common reason for aquatic mishaps is a lack of safety knowledge. When planning to visit any of our beaches on the Space Coast, Brevard County lifeguards recommend you familiarize yourself with the American Red Cross Water Safety Tips.